With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting nearly (if not every) aspect of daily life, you naturally are worried about how to keep your pet safe. You might also be wondering what kinds of changes to expect from us during this time. Here are three things you need to know.
#1: Rely on reputable sources for current COVID-19 information
While you can turn to Facebook for insider information on where to find toilet paper, avoid using social media as your main source about COVID-19. Instead, rely on major animal and human health organizations for the most current, accurate research about this evolving situation. A few reputable sources include:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
#2: There is no evidence to indicate pets can become ill with COVID-19
A major veterinary diagnostic laboratory tested thousands of canine and feline samples for COVID-19 when validating a veterinary test, but found no positive results. Additionally, the CDC and WHO have received zero reports of a pet who was ill from COVID-19. Based on the current evidence, health officials have declared there is no indication that pets can become sick from COVID-19. So, your coughing dog is likely not sick with COVID-19, but another disease, such as kennel cough, congestive heart failure, or a collapsing trachea.
#3: We’re taking every precaution to protect you and our team while still keeping your pet healthy
As a vital part of the health care community, we will remain open and continue to provide important medical care for your pet. As this situation continues to unfold, we have made various protocol changes and may continue to make changes as necessary. Here is what is currently in place:
- Curbside check-in — When you arrive, please call us from the parking lot to check in. You can also check in online. To maintain the six feet recommended for social distancing, we have spaced out our parking spaces and labeled them with numbers. This will allow our staff to better identify which patient belongs to which vehicle and create some distance between vehicles so our staff can better assist you. Simply pull into a parking space and check in! We will do the rest!
- Entry into the building — We have had to further restrict who can be in the building. We are no longer allowing clients in our building except for humane euthanasia patients or under very extreme circumstances.
- Increased sanitation — We have increased our already rigorous sanitation routines, and are more frequently wiping down doorknobs, counters, and commonly used items.
- Online payment — We have implemented online payment buttons on our website to decrease the handling of credit cards in-person. Our staff will direct you through this process once your pet is ready to go home.
Thank you for your trust, for your patience, and for helping us slow the spread and flatten the curve! Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.